Hi! I have a question for everyone. I know that the MArch is supposed to be a professional degree, but is it really rare for someone to pursue it without the intention of eventually becoming an architect? I have a bachelors of computer science with a minor in visual arts, but am interested in going back to school to study architecture -- I originally was accepted to Cornell's undergraduate architecture program, but didn't end up going because it was too expensive without financial aid. I took the summer program at Berkeley after I graduated from college as a spur of the moment thing and really loved it.
I am interested in rigorous academic discussion about aesthetics and design, and want to develop design skills in that sort of setting. I'm also really interested in architectural history from an academic POV. However, I'd be more interested in using what I learn in architecture school in conjunction with my technology background than becoming a traditional architect. I brought this up with one of the Berkeley professors and they advised I don't mention this in my personal statement if I apply to MArch programs... but is it really expected that everyone who goes through an MArch program becomes an architect? Are there other programs that I should be looking at that would fit my intentions better?
archietechie
Aug 29, 17 4:14 am
No one can force you get licensed if you don't want to ;)
That said, the M.Arch program is still the best course that fits your desired job description (look up computational architecture programs AADRL; West Coast etc.).
Honestly, many designers I know without a background in archi went on to become facade/tech specialist/programmers in AE/avant-garde firms. Why the hell not?
koalatea
Aug 29, 17 9:58 pm
Hmm, but the minimum requirements for AADRL are a 5 year B.Arch unfortunately. Are all West Coast programs more computational? I'm not too rushed to go back to the east coast (I was there for college and was not a fan of the winter) so that's good news.
Hi! I have a question for everyone. I know that the MArch is supposed to be a professional degree, but is it really rare for someone to pursue it without the intention of eventually becoming an architect? I have a bachelors of computer science with a minor in visual arts, but am interested in going back to school to study architecture -- I originally was accepted to Cornell's undergraduate architecture program, but didn't end up going because it was too expensive without financial aid. I took the summer program at Berkeley after I graduated from college as a spur of the moment thing and really loved it.
I am interested in rigorous academic discussion about aesthetics and design, and want to develop design skills in that sort of setting. I'm also really interested in architectural history from an academic POV. However, I'd be more interested in using what I learn in architecture school in conjunction with my technology background than becoming a traditional architect. I brought this up with one of the Berkeley professors and they advised I don't mention this in my personal statement if I apply to MArch programs... but is it really expected that everyone who goes through an MArch program becomes an architect? Are there other programs that I should be looking at that would fit my intentions better?
No one can force you get licensed if you don't want to ;)
That said, the M.Arch program is still the best course that fits your desired job description (look up computational architecture programs AADRL; West Coast etc.).
Honestly, many designers I know without a background in archi went on to become facade/tech specialist/programmers in AE/avant-garde firms. Why the hell not?
Hmm, but the minimum requirements for AADRL are a 5 year B.Arch unfortunately. Are all West Coast programs more computational? I'm not too rushed to go back to the east coast (I was there for college and was not a fan of the winter) so that's good news.
Also, what does AE stand for in this context?